N-VA demands bilingualism from all members of the Brussels Government

N-VA Brussels is submitting a resolution requiring all members of the Brussels Government to be demonstrably bilingual. “In an officially bilingual region, knowledge of both languages is a matter of decency and respect. Politics must set the right example, and far too often it still does not,” says Gilles Verstraeten, N-VA group leader in the Brussels Parliament.

Time to show your colours

Recent appearances by newly appointed Minister-President Boris Dilliès clearly illustrate the issue. When asked questions in Dutch, he was barely able to respond and had to admit that he has not actively used Dutch for the past eight years. According to N-VA Brussels, the fact that a mayor in an officially bilingual municipality has not spoken Dutch for eight years shows that measures are needed to encourage public officials to learn Dutch.

“Apparently, even after eight years, some still do not consider it important enough to master both languages as a public official in a bilingual municipality and in a bilingual region. By submitting this resolution, I want other parties to take a clear stance. It is time for every party to show its true colours and take responsibility for its own elected representatives,” Verstraeten emphasises.

Bilingualism is essential

Almost all French-speaking ministers in the Brussels Government do not speak Dutch, with one exception: Hublet (Les Engagés). “How can you defend the interests of all Brussels residents if you only master one of the two official languages? Bilingualism is essential to properly represent both Dutch-speaking and French-speaking citizens,” Verstraeten stresses.

With this resolution, N-VA Brussels wants to send a clear message: bilingualism is not an optional extra, but a political responsibility. Anyone governing Brussels must respect both language communities and lead by example.